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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Lebkuchen

Lebkuchen is a German Christmas treat, somewhat resembling gingerbread. Lebkuchen often is baked on a thin wafer base and sometimes is formed into all shapes and sizes; although, round is the most common shape. Traditionally, the cookies are quite large, sometimes measuring 4 1/2 inches in diameter.

Lebkuchen Hearts are inscribed with icing and are available at many German markets.

Lebkuchen crafted into fancy shapes sometimes is used as Christmas decorations.

Lebkuchen ranges in taste from spicy to sweet. There are many regional variations of Lebkuchen; however, the ingredients usually include honey, spices (such as allspice, aniseed, cardamom, cloves, coriander, and ginger), nuts (including almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts), and candied fruits. Typically, it is glazed or covered with very dark chocolate.

Lebkuchen came to Aachen, Germany from Belgium in the 13th century, where it was baked in Franconian Monasteries. Lebkuchen bakers were recorded as early as 1296 in Ulm, and 1395 in Nuremberg.

The seasonings needed to bake Lebkuchen were not available locally and had to be imported. Because of this, Lebkuchen grew in popularity mainly in larger cities such as Ulm, Nuremberg, Cologne, and Munich that were situated on trade routes from the Orient.

In 1643, Nuremberg created the "League of Lebkuchen-Bakers." In 1645, the league created strict guidelines that commercial bakers had to follow in order to sell their Lebkuchen.

Nürnberger Lebkuchen is the most well-known worldwide. This Lebkuchen from Nuremberg is baked on a thin wafer and is known for its light, soft texture.I baked Lebkuchen today.

While warm, score each pan into 16 squares; press a whole almond into the center of each square. Combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and remaining 3 tablespoons lemon juice; brush evenly over bars.

Let cool completely before cutting. Store in tightly covered tin. Do not store in plastic bags.Yield: 32 barsNote that for this recipe I used the Candied Orange Peel and the Candied Lemon Peel I made! :)You can find the original version of this recipe here.

About Me

I am Koogle...a first grade teacher who became a homeschooling mom. My dear husband is my soul-mate and the Love of my life. Our precious son is the Light of my life...and keeps us laughing and learning every day!